Steve Goodwin (Assistant)

Brian Muirhead (Assistant)

Dave Robinson (Match Reports)

U15s - Match Report

Drawing The Right Conclusions

(Dave Robinson 08/10/2017)

3 Congleton Rovers JFC U15s3 Grappenhall Sports FC U15 Greens

(Match Date: Sunday 8th October 2017)

Rovers started their second league game of the season full of confidence following their comprehensive opening day victory and arguably should have come out worthy winners against Grappenhall on possession and chances created but ultimately had to settle for a draw as the away side fought back against the run of play.

Rovers started superbly with Perry running down the left after 5 minutes, cutting in and finish low into to bottom right hand corner giving the home side the perfect opening. More pressure followed with Barnes pressing well in midfield, linking with Herd, and came close with a low drive. Perry then went close again before Grappenhall equalised with a well worked move down the right. Muirhead was then called to make a stunning save, tipping a sizzling shot over the bar to keep the scores level. Rovers continued with their passing game plan, using the full width of the pitch and were rewarded when Frost was on hand to steer in a Barnes cross to give Rovers a deserved lead. They almost made it three before half time as Crewe won the ball back well in the Grappenhall half, Clark then played a lovely defence splitting pass to Barnes who missed the far post by the narrowest of margins!

Rovers began in second half in urgent search for the much needed third goal and two goal cushion. Crewe went close with a header and Barnes saw a looping shot go just over the bar. Robinson, in his new centre forward role was effective in his hold up play, delivering some intelligent flick ons and pressing the keeper and defenders at every opportunity. Dale and Webster continued to cement their roles in the team working well in midfield to ensure Rovers stayed in control of the game. Frost was required to provide a brave block in the area to prevent a goal bound shot before Barnes made it three in fine style, finishing off a solo run down the left before slotting home into the bottom right corner. The two goal advantage was short lived however, as Grappenhall closed the deficit through a penalty. The away side had some dangerous pace and looked to play counter attacking football at every opportunity and it required some relentless running and cool defensive play from man of the match Simpson alongside Lancaster and Molloy to neutralise the threat. Clark almost made it four with a neat turn in the area and a low shot drawing a fine save from the Grappenhall keeper. Unfortunately, Rovers couldn’t hold on for victory as late on. Grappenhall managed to equalise from a free kick. In the few remaining minutes Simpson went close with a fine strike from outside the area but Rovers kept piling on the pressure but despite the number of chances created, they couldn’t find the winner.

Despite the feeling they had let a victory slip, the performance further demonstrated that Rovers are getting better equipped to control games, are showing more technical ability and working better and better as a team. If they carry on in this manner, the results will definitely come.